The good news is that creating a unique experience with digital meetings is easier than you might think.
We’ll break it down into three parts: the essentials to guarantee a smooth and positive experience for everyone involved, strategies to level up your meetings, and fun ways to engage your clients and prospects with interactive event ideas.
Mastering the Virtual Meeting Basics
Think of these as the foundation for a successful virtual meeting:
- Tech Check: Restart your computer before events. You wouldn’t want a tech glitch to crash your meeting!
- Frame Your Face: Position your camera so you are centered and looking directly at it. Avoid distracting backgrounds and keep it professional (nobody wants to see a mess behind you). Pro tip: good lighting is key! Light yourself from the front, not the back or side. If need be, purchase a small ring light to set/mount behind the camera.
- Dress for Success: This doesn't mean you need to be in a suit/tie, but ditch the workout clothes. Professional attire shows respect for your clients.
- Mic Check: If you anticipate using video calls frequently, it will likely be worth investing in a good USB microphone. There are lots of options and virtually all of them will be better than your ear buds or your computer’s built-in microphone.
- Quiet on Set: If you work in a setting with background noise - think barking dogs or playing kids - consider using a noise-cancelling tool like Krisp.ai. You’ll also want to become familiar with the Mute button (nobody wants to hear you cough or sneeze).
- Smile! It may sound cheesy, but a genuine smile goes a long way. Remember, video calls can make people appear more serious than usual.
Take Your Virtual Appointments to the Next Level
Here’s how to add a touch of magic to your standard virtual meetings:
- Scheduling Made Easy: Use tools like Calendly or GReminders to automatically set up Zoom meetings when appointments are booked.
- Send an Agenda Beforehand: Your clients and prospective clients will appreciate knowing there is a plan, and it helps keep everyone on track.
- Welcome! Recreate the warm feeling of an in-person meeting. Consider having a team member reach out a few minutes ahead of time to greet them and say hello. You may wish to have an assistant join in on the meeting as well.
- Family Matters: Take advantage of the virtual setting! If appropriate, involve your client’s adult children in the meeting. Video conferencing makes this easier than ever.
Let’s Get Social: Fun Ideas for Virtual Events
It doesn’t have to be just business! Check out these interactive event ideas for clients and prospects:
- Start a Book Club: Be intentional about the book topic and who you invite. Ask them to include a friend that might be interested.
- Host a Trivia Night: Whether you host it or join one online through platforms like Yaymaker, trivia nights are great for engagement.
- Home Improvement Tips/Hacks: Share valuable home improvement tips or invite a contractor to give a virtual workshop. It’s a win-win for your clients and their seemingly never-ending to-do lists.
- Create Focus Groups: Borrow a technique from market research! Thinking about creating a new presentation? Ask your clients what they think. Looking to add a service to your offerings? Get a few of your clients together to share their thoughts with you.
Remember, most of these activities can be accomplished without ever leaving your desk. The possibilities for creating unique experiences and building a strong community with your clients (and potential clients) are endless! Virtual events are cost-effective, easy to coordinate, and a fantastic way to connect with small and large groups alike.
